System and method to excavate using vacuum excavator

ABSTRACT

A system and method to excavate using a vacuum hose is disclosed. The system includes a suction wand handle, where a first end of the suction wand handle is adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a first and second grip project from opposing sides of the suction wand handle are adapted for a user to grasp. In addition, a suction wand is secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, where the suction wand includes an open end. An air line is secured to the suction wand, where a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method to excavate using a vacuum excavator.

II. BACKGROUND

Industrial vacuum equipment has dozens of wet and dry uses such as locating underground utilities (potholing), hydro excavation, air excavation and vacuum excavation. In addition, the equipment can be used for directional drilling slurry removal, industrial clean-up, waste clean-up, lateral and storm drain clean-out, oil spill clean-up and other natural disaster clean-up applications, signs and headstone setting, for example. The vacuum systems may be mounted to a truck or trailer and are typically powered by gas or diesel engines. A shortcoming of the prior art is the inefficiency and difficulty to excavate using a vacuum hose in hard subsurface conditions. Accordingly, what is needed is a method and system to excavate using a vacuum hose that is efficient in all subsurface conditions.

III. SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the one or more embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the embodiments nor delineate the scope of such embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the described embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In a particular embodiment, a system to excavate using a vacuum excavator is disclosed. The system includes a suction wand handle, where a first end of the suction wand handle is adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a first and second grip project from opposing sides of the suction wand handle are adapted for a user to grasp. In addition, a suction wand is secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, where the suction wand includes an open end. An air line is secured to the suction wand, where a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.

In another particular embodiment, a method to excavate using a vacuum excavator is disclosed. The method includes grasping an elongated suction wand, where a first end of the suction wand is secured to a suction hose and a second end of the suction wand being open. The method further includes placing a downward force on the suction wand to excavate material from a hole using suction from the suction hose and directing pressurized air adjacent to an open end of the suction wand to loosen material. In addition, the method includes rotating the pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, when discharged at the open end of the suction wand to generate a dynamic spray pattern.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the embodiments may be employed. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings and the disclosed embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a particular embodiment of a system to excavate using a vacuum hose;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open end of a suction wand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a nozzle shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another particular embodiment of the system to excavate using a vacuum hose;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum trailer and associated equipment that may be used with a particular embodiment of the system to excavate using a vacuum hose;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of the system to excavate using a vacuum hose shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of another particular embodiment of a system to excavate using a vacuum hose; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an open end of a suction wand shown in FIG. 7.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

Referring to FIG. 1, a particular illustrative embodiment of a system to excavate using a vacuum hose is disclosed. The vacuum excavator 100 includes a suction wand 102 that is secured to a suction wand handle 104. A user may grasp the handle 104 using a pair of projections each extending outwardly from opposing sides of the handle 104. The handle 104 may include an upper hose clamp 105 that allows the handle to be easily connected and disconnected from the suction hose 106. Similarly, a lower hose clamp 109 may be used to secure the handle 104 to the suction wand 102. The suction hose 106 is in communication with a pump that provides suction to the hose 106 to remove soil, water, and other materials that are being excavated from a site.

The suction wand 102 is adapted to receive a pressurized air line 112, pressurized water line 116, or any combination thereof. A quick release coupling 114 may be used to secure the air line 112 to the suction wand. Once the air line 112 is secured to the suction wand 102, then a continuous path to the nozzle 206 is completed to the open end 108 of the suction wand 102. A valve 113 may be used to control the flow of pressurized air. Similarly, a quick release coupling 118 may be used to secure the water line 116 to the suction wand 102 to form a continuous path the nozzle 204 and a valve 115 may be used to control the flow of pressurized water. The air line 112 and the water line 116 in the preferred embodiment are located within the suction wand 102 itself.

In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the open end 108 of the suction wand 102 includes nozzle 206 that is secured to an inside sidewall of the suction wand 102. Thus, the footprint of the excavation is generally no greater than the diameter of the suction wand 102 itself. In addition, this prevents the nozzle 206 from hanging up on any obstacles such as roots and rocks that may be encountered when excavating. As explained above in an alternative embodiment, the nozzle 206 may be secured to the distal end of a pressure washer wand, where the pressure washer wand is removably secured to an exterior surface of the suction wand 102. In yet another alternative embodiment, the nozzle 206 may be secured inside the suction wand 102 as shown in FIG. 2 and in addition the pressure washer wand may be removably secured to the exterior surface of the suction wand 102 so that the user selects whether to use the pressure washer wand, the nozzle 206, or any combination thereof. The above description with respect to nozzle 206 is equally applicable to nozzle 204.

In a particular embodiment, the nozzle 204, 206 as shown in FIG. 3 is a rotary type nozzle that generates a dynamic spray pattern under pressure. A top portion 302 of the nozzle 204, 206 may be threaded into the lower portion 306 to create a water tight seal. In addition, an O-ring 308 may be interposed between the top portion 302 and the lower portion 306. A rotor 310 is encased within the lower portion 306 and is adaptable to rotate about a downward center projection 314 of the top portion 302. Pressurized water or air may be discharged into the lower portion 306 from the center projection 314, which is in communication with air line 112 or water line 116. An upper annular ring 312 and lower annular ring 316 are disposed on the rotor 310 that facilitates the rotor's movement within the lower portion 306. A nozzle outlet 320 is located at a distal end of the lower portion 306 of the nozzle 204, 206 to allow a discharge of pressurized air or water. A pocket bearing 318 allows the rotor's 310 distal end to remain centrally located within the lower portion 306 of the nozzle 204, 206 but causes the discharge angle of the air or water to change as the rotor 310 rotates.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the suction wand includes an upper portion 402 that is secured to the suction handle 104. A lower rotatable lower portion 415 is adapted to rotate about the upper portion 402 and the lower portion 415 includes an elbow or angle secured to the upper portion 402. The lower portion 415 (and elbow) may be either flexible or rigid material. A clamp 416 may be used to secure the upper portion 402 to the lower portion 415. A motor 408 may be secured to the upper portion 402 using a bearing or bracket 410. An upper end of a rod 412 is secured to the motor 408 and a lower end of the rod 412 is secured proximate to the lower portion 415. The rod 412 is generally rigid and includes an elbow 418 that corresponds to the elbow of the lower portion 415. Thus, when the lower portion 415 is rotated manually or automatically, it causes the open end 416 to track in an extended circular motion covering an area larger than a diameter of the upper portion 402 or lower portion 415. An upper bracket 406 may be used to secure the rod 412 to the upper portion 402 and the upper bracket 406 includes a bearing 414 for the rod 412 to rotate therein. Proximate to the open end 416, a lower bracket 420 is secured to the lower portion 415 and similarly includes a bearing for the rod 412. In operation, the motor 408 stops, starts and rotates the lower portion 415 at a desired speed controlled by the operator. The angle or elbow of the lower portion 415 may vary depending on the application. The open end 416 may be tapered to accommodate the circular motion of the open end 416 and to allow the open end 416 to remain relatively flush to the surface being excavated.

A trailer 500 similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used to mount the various vacuum and excavation equipment. The trailer 500 includes a frame 502 on wheels 516, where the trailer 500 may have a hitch 504 that may be connected to a vehicle 602 for towing to a site. An adjustable jack 506 is used to stabilize the trailer 500 when disconnected from the vehicle 602. A gasoline or diesel engine 508 may be mounted to the frame 502 and used to power the vacuum equipment, hydraulic pumps, pneumatic pumps, or any combination thereof. The suction hose 106 is connected to the collection tank 512, which is connected to a filter 510. A water tank 514 may be used to transport water to the site to supply the pressurized water as explained above. In operation, the operator 604 grasps the suction wand 102 and applies downward pressure to the ground 606. The suction hose 106 vacuums the debris for the excavation to the collection tank 512. The operator 604 may adjust the pressurized air and water lines as needed to break up and looses the soil for excavation. The air and water lines may be attached along the suction hose 106 or may run independently to the suction wand 102.

In alternative embodiments, the air line 112 and water line 116 may be removably secured to the exterior surface of the suction wand 102 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Accordingly, the user can remove the air line 112, the water line 116, or any combination thereof, and attach standard pressure wands 702, 704, for example. The pressure wands 702, 704 may be detachably secured to the exterior of the suction wand 102, so the pressure wands 702, 704 may be used as part of the suction wand 102 or removed and used separately as needed. This provides the flexibility to access portions of the excavation. A couple of bands 706, 708 may be secured around the suction wand 102 and used to support the equipment related to the wands 702, 704.

The pressure wand 702, 704 may be connected to the valve 113, 115, respectively to control the pressurized air or water flow to the respective conduit 710, 712 and nozzle 714, 716. A handle of the pressure wand 702, 704 may include a trigger mechanism in addition to the valve 113, 115 to control the flow. Referring now to FIG. 8, a bracket 800 is mounted to an exterior surface of the suction wand 102. The bracket includes a base 802 having an aperture 804 for receiving the conduit 710, 712. A gap 806 at the front of the base 802 allows the conduit to snap into the bracket 800 and also to be removed by pulling the conduit 710, 712 outward from the bracket 800 through the gap 806. In addition, standard piping may be substituted for the pressure wands 702, 704, and mounted in conventional fashion to the exterior of the suction wand 102 and terminate in nozzles 714 and 716 to direct flow adjacent to the suction wand 102. The axes of the nozzles 714, 716 and suction wand 102 do not intersect when mounted to the suction wand 102.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.52(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the system comprising: a suction wand handle, wherein a first end of the suction wand handle adapted to be secured to a suction hose; a first and second grip projecting from opposing sides of the suction wand handle and adapted for a user to grasp; a suction wand secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, wherein the suction wand having an open end; and an air line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the water line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized water source and the second end terminates in at least one water nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one water nozzle, air nozzle, or any combination thereof, generates a dynamic spray pattern.
 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a valve to intermittently allow a flow to the at least one water nozzle, air nozzle, or any combination thereof, causing the flow to pulsate.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the suction wand further comprising an upper portion and an angled lower portion to the open end.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the angled lower portion is adapted to rotate manually or automatically causing the open end to track in a circular motion covering an area larger than a diameter of the suction wand.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a motor causing the angled lower portion to rotate about the upper portion of the suction wand when the motor is activated.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a rod connecting the motor to the angled lower portion.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the angled lower portion is a flexible hose structurally supported by the rod.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the air line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand.
 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the water line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand.
 12. A system to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the system comprising: a suction wand, wherein a first end of the suction wand adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a second end of the suction wand having an open end; and an air line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a water line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the water line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one water nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.
 14. A method to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the method comprising: grasping an elongated suction wand, wherein a first end of the suction wand is secured to a suction hose and a second end of the suction wand being open; placing downward force on the suction wand to excavate material from a hole using suction from the suction hose; and directing pressurized air adjacent to an open end of the suction wand to loosen material.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, when discharged at the open end of the suction wand to generate a dynamic spray pattern.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising pulsating a flow of pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, when discharged at the open end of the suction wand.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating an angled lower portion of the suction wand in a circular motion to cover an area larger than a diameter of the suction wand.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the flow of pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, is discharged adjacent to the open end of the suction wand.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the water line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand and within a diameter of the suction wand.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the angled lower portion of the suction wand is comprised of flexible hose. 